Dennis CW Smith

BY ...

A native of Jackson County, Dennis Carl Weatherford Smith was born March 25, 1947 in Medford, Oregon to parents William and Faye Smith. Dennis, or "CW" as most referred to him, lived his entire life in Oregon. He graduated from Crater High School in 1966, and from Mount Hood Community College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. He served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

He was an officer for the Medford Police Department from 1973 until elected Jackson County Sheriff in 1982 at the young age of 35. He was re-elected sheriff for two more terms, and remained for a total of 12 years.

CW served as interim City Manager for Lakeview, Oregon and Police Chief for the City of Talent. He was a radio talk show host, a private insurance business owner, and manager of a large farming operation. In 2005, CW was elected Jackson County Commissioner where he continued to serve his beloved Rogue Valley until his retirement in 2013.

CW loved to fish and spend time at Diamond Lake. His motto, "The family that fishes together, stays together." A gifted artist, he did incredible pen and ink drawings, and sculptures. CW was a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation and felt strongly connected to his Native American heritage. He was recently awarded membership into the Chickasaw Veteran's Warrior Society. He was also a member of Medford Masonic Lodge #103, and the Hillah Shrine Temple and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

A funeral Mass will be held July 2, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church in Central Point. An honor guard ceremony will follow at 1 p.m. at Eagle Point National Cemetery, followed by a remembrance gathering at Eagle Creek Estate in Eagle Point. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3009.